Right Whale Day 2024 at the New England Aquarium

Today we celebrated the 2^nd annual Right Whale Day and I had the privilege of joining EEA Undersecretary of Environment Stephanie Cooper,  DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea, DMF Director Dan McKiernan, Vikki Spruill, President & CEO, New England Aquarium, state and local officials, fishing industry representatives and partner conservation organizations during today’s speaking program at the New England Aquarium.

Saving the right whale from extinction is an epic challenge, and one that summons us to action because our waters host such a substantial number of a limited population for several months. Through an ongoing commitment, innovation, and sacrifice by the commercial fishing industry, Massachusetts is rising to the challenge, and taking the actions our stewardship demands.

Having successfully pursued significant measures over the last several years to protect endangered North Atlantic Right Whales in Massachusetts, as the Senate Chair of the legislature's Coastal Caucus, I have partnered with other members of the caucus, in taking another major step to protect the whales, the marine environment, and the state's commercial fisheries, by filing SD.3009, "An Act Relative to Abandoned Fishing Gear,” which would establish the legal framework for this chronic nemesis to be removed from the state's waters through appropriate regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. This bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation has garnered early co-sponsorship from Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Representatives Ann Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) and Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston).

The filing of the bill comes following months of research on the subject by the DMF, and collaboration with myself and other legislators, with a focus on prioritizing the protection of right whales while recognizing the high price currently being paid by those in the commercial lobster fishery to protect this endangered species through the extreme economic sacrifice of enduring fishery closures that last for months and prevent harvesters and others from being able to earn a living.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Massachusetts Environmental Trust’s (MET) Right Whale/Roseate Tern license plate, the first philanthropic specialty license plate established to benefit conservation. Over the last 30 years, the Trust has awarded more than $28 million to 800 projects that have supported the protection of endangered marine animals and restoration of critical aquatic ecosystems.

During the event, I had the honor of presenting a special citation to the Center for Coastal Studies’ Right Whale Ecology Program Director Stormy Mayo in recognition of his 47-year career pioneering right whale research and conservation in Cape Cod Bay. Mayo also received a commemorative right whale license plate.

Captain Lester S. Wass Post 3 of the American Legion Easter Meals 2025

Captain Lester S. Wass Post 3 of the American Legion Easter Meals 2025

Thank you to the members of Post 3 and to the many volunteers who helped prepare, serve, and deliver 450 Easter meals this year to those in need in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Ipswich, and the Essex area yesterday on Easter Sunday.

I have shared this before and will share it again - Post 3's mission statement for this event: 

No one should be alone and without a hot meal on Easter Sunday.

#eastersunday2024 #hotmeal #AmericanLegion #statesenatorbrucetarr

 

The League of Women Voters of Hamilton-Wenham 6th Annual Civics Bee

 

 

                                     

                                                  

The League of Women Voters of Hamilton-Wenham 6th Annual Civics Bee

Recently, I had the honor of being a judge at the annual Hamilton-Wenham Civics Bee hosted by the League of Women Voters of Hamilton-Wenham, MA at the Miles River Middle School. It was a spirited competition centered around the theme of Elections and Voting.

#civicsbee #judge #LeagueOfWomenVoters #hamiltonma #wenhamma #elections #voting #statesenatorbrucetarr 

Happy Easter 2024

Wishing everyone a wonderful and happy Easter that is celebrated with family and friends. May the holiday bring you and your loved ones many blessings.

#easter2024 #Easter #statesenatorbrucetarr

Vietnam War Veterans Day | March 29th, 2024

 

In 2017, the President signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act to codify our nation’s gratitude for those who served.

March 29th, the day the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam, is observed annually throughout the nation.

The official end of the war occurred 49 years ago. Of the 58,220 service men and women who died, 1,800 called #Massachusetts home. Of the more than 2.7 million Americans who served in the Vietnam War, more than 250,000 came from Massachusetts.

This important day should not go without recognition and reflection. Today, please pause to remember and honor those Americansi who served, the men and women who lost their lives, and the families and communities who love them still.

#veterans #vietnam #statesenatorbrucetarr

PASSED: S.2703, 'An act to prevent abuse and exploitation'

 

On March 14th, 2024, the Senate passed S.2703, 'An act to prevent abuse and exploitation' which I proudly co-sponsored.

To learn more about S.2703, visit: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2703

#passed #revengeporn #mapoli #beaconhill #statesenatorbrucetarr

PASSED: SB.2701, An Act relative to changing the name of the Salisbury Beach State Reservation

 

On March 14, 2024, the State Senate approved my legislation SB.2701, An Act relative to changing the name of the Salisbury Beach State Reservation. This legislation aims to designate Salisbury Beach State Reservation as “Robert 'Boots' Chouinard State Reservation at Salisbury Beach.

To learn more about SB.2701, visit: 

https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/bill-to-name-beach-reservation-after-salisbury-man-heads-to-house/article_6d860738-e60f-11ee-b3ab-6b5c2f4bc91c.html

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2701

#passed #salisburyma #salisburybeach #mapoli #beaconhill #statesenatorbrucetarr

S.2697, EARLY ED Act | Two Important Amendments Adopted

 

On March 14th, 2024, two of my amendments were unanimously adopted to S.2697, EARLY ED Act, which aim to enforce transparency of operational funding grants, as well as, ensure that information pamphlets on childcare services are provided at accessible locations.

To learn more about S.2697, visit: 

https://www.salemnews.com/news/senate-approves-bill-to-expand-early-education/article_cbd00672-c783-5a7a-b8ab-0aa1931e1b05.html 

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2697/

Essex County Chiefs of Police Association Meeting 2024

 

Our law enforcement professionals are asked to perform vital functions in our communities. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with police chiefs, officers, and elected officials at the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association Legislative Breakfast at the Mission Boathouse in Beverly.

We had an engaging set of conversations about issues important to law enforcement officers in Essex County discussing important public safety concerns, pending legislation and ways we can promote greater collaboration between police and lawmakers. 

I would like to thank the ECCPA for inviting me to attend and speak, as well as, thank each of the members for their service.

#essexcounty #PoliceChief #beverlyma #statesenatorbrucetarr

Massachusetts Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) Grant Awards Support Local Municipalities and Non-Profits

Massachusetts Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) Grant Awards Support Local Municipalities and Non-Profits

I am happy to share that a number of local fire departments, police departments, and a non-profit have been selected to receive AED grants.  

These funds will help increase access to lifesaving equipment during medical emergencies when every second matters.

I am deeply thankful for our first responders efforts on our behalf every single day.

#AED #firstresponders #statesenatorbrucetarr

International Women's Day 2024

 

International Women's Day

Women have changed the world and that's why equal opportunities for women need to be supported and enriched - something we need to think about, know, value, & embrace. 

Who are the women who have inspired you? 

#internationalwomensday2024 #equalopportunities #statesenatorbrucetarr

An Explanation of the Legislative Process Relative to S.2572

Statement on S.2572

Last week the Senate approved its version of new gun safety legislation (S.2572), one of many steps in the legislative process around this subject. This narrower and reformed version of the bill (35 pages) earned the unanimous support of the Massachusetts Association of Chiefs of Police, whereas the much different and expansive bill put forth earlier by the House (129 pages) was unanimously opposed by those same police chiefs from across the state.

Because the Senate bill had not been subjected to a public hearing, my first action was to move that it be referred to the Committee on Public Safety, which is charged with dealing with firearms legislation, to be properly addressed, including a public hearing. Unfortunately, this effort failed on a 9-31 vote leaving us to deal with the bill.

Next, the entire Republican caucus moved to make major changes to S.2572 by offering amendment #63, which would substitute a new narrower bill that protected second amendment rights while strengthening public safety. Unfortunately, that substitution was rejected on a vote of 6-33.

While it was unfortunate that commonsense amendment #63 was not adopted, I worked with my colleagues to further refocus the bill on punishing those who break the law - while protecting those who abide by it. We fought to ensure the following amendments were adopted:

- Amendment #6: requires that an individual charged with a criminal offense involving a gun, or who is on parole for such an offense, and that is subsequently charged with another crime involving guns or violence, is detained until trial for that crime

- Amendment #11: provides for grandfathering in the assault weapons ban for firearms lawfully possessed

- Amendment #22: changes the overly broad definition in the bill of "Rapid Fire Trigger Activator," which would have misclassified some common components as "Glock Switches"

- Amendment #30: requires the Secretary of Public Safety to report on numerous measures, originally adopted in 2014, to provide education and to punish criminal behavior which appear to be languishing without implementation

- Amendment #32: expands the ability of lawful gun owners and gunsmiths to repair and reassemble guns to include rifles and shotguns

- Amendment #55: creates a separate, additional penalty for shooting a firearm at a police officer, which includes imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 2 years and a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years, and liability for civil damages

- Amendment #74: limits the otherwise broad and vicarious liability for manufacturers contained in the bill by recognizing legitimate youth sporting activities involving firearms

My “yes” vote for the amended Senate version of the bill was an endorsement of the process to limit its scope, incorporate significant amendments to protect lawful gun owners and punish criminals, and move to conference committee from a strong posture.

With significant differences between the House and Senate bills on this subject, there is still a long way to go before any final version becomes law. Throughout all of the process that remains, I will continue to work to ensure that public safety is our top priority, and that we seek to strengthen it without infringing on the second amendment rights of safe, responsible gun owners and sportsmen like me. It remains to be seen whether or not that can be accomplished.

Governor’s Mid-Year Budget Cuts FY2024

Today Governor Healey announced that she was responding to a projected $1 billion shortfall in the budget for the current fiscal year (FY24) by exercising her powers to cut items in the budget pursuant to  Chapter 29, Section 9c of the General Laws, and by taking other steps to offset the shortfall. 

Below are posted her letter explaining these actions, and a corresponding analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.